David Leff Obituary

The town of Collinsville mourns the death of environmentalist, lecturer, author, poet David K. Leff who unexpectedly passed away on May 29, 2022. David K. Leff was born in Albany, NY on April 9, 1955. He grew up in Fairfield Connecticut but adopted Collinsville,Connecticut, where he lived for 38 years as his hometown. David Leff graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a B.A. in history. After receiving his law degree from the University of Connecticut in 1978, he worked as a researcher and legal advisor for the Connecticut General Assembly's Environmental Committee. In 1994 he was tapped to be Deputy Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. He was the primary writer of the state's first green space plan and negotiator of Connecticut's largest land acquisition, more than 15,000 acres, known as Centennial Watershed Forest. Much to his dismay, he was forced to retire in 2006 due to the debilitating effects of spinal stenosis. His sudden death did what his forced retirement could not, end his public service. David Leff's extensive volunteer work for the Town of Canton included, in part, town historian, town meeting moderator, and poet laureate. He was particularly proud of his 26 years as a volunteer firefighter, serving as their safety officer. He was the inaugural National Park Service New England National Scenic Trail Poet in Residence and New England Beat Poet Laureate. He served on numerous boards, including Riverwood Poetry Series, Connecticut Forest and Park Association, Connecticut Maple Syrup Producers Association, and Audubon Connecticut. David Leff was a noted Thoreau scholar. He was an award-winning author of books of nonfiction, poetry, and novels in verse. His papers and journals are being archived at the University of Massachusetts Libraries in Amherst. Known for his all-encompassing intelligence and generous heart, David had a quick wit, an infectious laugh and endless puns. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, all of whom will miss him greatly. He leaves behind his beloved wife Mary C. Fletcher, daughter Tiki Leff Diliberto (Dave), son Joshua F. Leff, stepdaughter Ariel Prechtl, sisters Elizabeth Leff (Mark) and Suzanne Ordesky (Joel), and the residents of his beloved town of Collinsville. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to: Roaring Brook Nature Center, Connecticut Audubon Society, Great Mountain Forest, White Memorial Conservation Center and organizations dedicated to preservation of wildlife and nature.